Blue Ice Iceland: Honest Guide to the Best Tour

See Blue Ice Iceland without a cave: honest current ice cave conditions, safe guided hike on Vatnajökull & how to book your Blue Ice Glacier Tour.

Blue Ice Glacier Tour – Safe & Unique Winter Adventure

blue ice glacier tour Safe & Unique Winter Adventure​! A half day glacier hike that allows you to experience the stunning blue ice on Vatnajökull with our small group tour! April Ice Cave Update Glaciers are alive — always moving, shifting, and reshaping themselves with the seasons. After an unusually warm summer followed by heavy rainfall at the end of September, Vatnajökull has changed significantly. Followed by warm winter, it has not been possible to safely access big ice caves we were used to from the past seasons. For this reason, we are currently offering the Blue Ice Glacier Tour as the best and safest way to experience natural blue ice on a half-day adventure. But the magic of the blue ice hasn’t gone anywhere. On this tour, you’ll step directly onto the glacier with our experienced local guides to discover vivid blue ice formation. Because the glacier and its conditions change daily, we work closely with the National Park to ensure that every tour explores the most beautiful and safe areas available at the time. This means the experience can look very different just a few days from now. All the photos you see on this page are recent and taken by our team, so you know exactly what to expect. Please note: in our booking system, the name “Ice Cave Tour” is still displayed. At this time, this refers to the flexible Blue Ice Glacier Tour. What if conditions change or the weather is not optimal? As the most experienced travel operator in the area we have always few alternatives listed and we make sure to choose the best and the safest experience for our clients. We always want to be as transparent with our clients as possible, making sure that we share the recent updates from the glacier in full honesty. Why Blue Ice Instead of an Ice Cave? Most natural ice caves in Iceland form during autumn, when glacial rivers carve tunnels and caverns under the ice. These caves are wonders of nature, but they are also temporary and fragile. Flooding, rainfall, snowfall, or even rockfall can make them unsafe or inaccessible overnight. At the moment, no main blue ice cave for a half day Ice Cave Tour is safely accessible. While some caves do exist deeper in the glacier, they require a demanding full-day hike and cannot be part of the standard Ice Cave Tour. That’s why we are offering the Blue Ice Glacier Tour: a glacier hike where you are guaranteed to see one blue ice feature. The formations we visit are seasonal and striking, glowing with incredibly blue ice. Each day, our guides adapt to the conditions to find the best and safest areas to explore. What You Can Expect on the Blue Ice Glacier Tour With current conditions, this tour lasts approximately 2.5–4 hours from start to finish. Your adventure begins with a scenic 30-minute ride in our modified 4×4 vehicles, followed by a short approach walk across gravel terrain to reach the glacier. Once there, you’ll gear up and step onto the ice for a guided glacier hike. Depending on conditions the hike varies between a short 1.4km or a full on 5.5km glacier hike (1–3.5 miles). On this tour, you’ll: Visit a striking crystal blue glacier tunnel, one of the most impressive features currently accessible Experience glacier hiking in a small group, with time to take in the surroundings and capture photos Learn basic glacier walking techniques while exploring Iceland’s largest glacier   Due to the current glacier conditions, the highlight of the tour is this vivid blue ice formation, similar to what you may have seen on our Instagram. We recommend checking out our latest content and April highlights on to see real stories and photos shared by our guests. Before stepping onto the glacier, your guide will provide all necessary equipment, including helmet, crampons, and harness, and give a clear introduction on how to use it safely. You’ll also learn essential glacier safety basics along the way. As always, no two tours are the same. The glacier is constantly changing, making each visit a unique experience shaped by the conditions of the day. Tour Details SEASON: WINTER DURATION: 2.5-4H BLUE GLACIER FEATURE MEETING POINT: JÖKULSÁRLÓN EASY/MODERATE 4×4 MODIFIED CARS CARBON NEUTRAL MIN. AGE: 10 YEARS OLD SEASON: WINTER DURATION: 2.5-4H BLUE GLACIER FEATURE MEETING POINT: JÖKULSÁRLÓN EASY/MODERATE 4×4 MODIFIED CARS CARBON NEUTRAL MIN. AGE: 10 YEARS OLD book now Please note: in our booking system, the name “Ice Cave Tour” is still displayed. At this time, this refers to the Blue Ice Glacier Tour. Please enable javascript in your browser to book DURATION: 2.5 – 4 hours DISTANCE: 1.4–5.5 km glacier hike (1–3.5 miles) ACTIVITY LEVEL: moderate – suitable for anyone comfortable with a regular hike EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: none – no prior glacier experience needed INCLUDED: all necessary glacier gear (helmet, crampons, harness, and safety equipment as required) WHAT TO BRING: warm layers, a waterproof and windproof outer shell, hat, gloves, and sturdy hiking boots that support the ankles Safety First – Always At Local Guide of Vatnajökull, safety is our number one priority. Our glacier guides are highly trained professionals who monitor conditions daily, work closely with Vatnajökull National Park, and adapt routes to ensure every tour is both secure and enjoyable. This tour is a unique opportunity in the area at this time of year. Depending on the day we change our route and destinations to ensure safety and responsible tourism. Currently you can expect the tour to take 2.5–4 hours, visiting a crystal blue ice tunnel. All points you can be assured that the Local Guide Team chooses the safest and most beautiful blue ice of the day. While the famous main ice caves like Sparkle Ice Cave, Sapphire Ice Cave, Crystal Ice Cave or Blue Diamond may not be accessible right now, the Blue Ice Glacier Tour is the safest way to still experience the magic of Iceland’s glaciers and their incredible blue

Diamond Beach Iceland Travel Made Easy

Diamond Beach Iceland Travel Made Easy A black sand beach born from fire and shaped by ice — here’s how to visit one of Iceland’s most dazzling natural wonders: A Walk Between Ice and Lava Diamond Beach in Iceland is one of the country’s most surreal natural attractions — where massive, glistening icebergs lie scattered across pitch-black volcanic sand. Whether you’re planning a quick photo stop or a full-day glacier adventure, Diamond Beach Iceland is a must-see destination just off the Ring Road in Southeast Iceland. From how to get there and what time to go, to tips on combining your stop with glacier hikes and ice cave tours — here’s everything you need to know before you go to Diamond Beach. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit — from how to get there and when to go, to what to pack and how to combine your trip with nearby glacier tours.   What Is Diamond Beach Iceland? Diamond Beach is the popular nickname for the black sand shoreline across the road from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoonin Southeast Iceland. Officially part of the Breiðamerkursandur glacial outwash plain, this stretch of coast is famous for the dramatic sight of glacial icebergs scattered along the shore. These ice chunks originate from Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, and break off into the Jökulsárlón Lagoon via its outlet glacier, Breiðamerkurjökull. From there, the icebergs float slowly toward the Atlantic Ocean—only to be carried back onto the beach by tides and waves. The result is an unforgettable contrast: luminous white and blue ice set against deep black volcanic sand. There’s no official sign for “Diamond Beach,” but you’ll recognize it immediately. It’s just off Route 1 (the Ring Road), directly across the bridge from the lagoon, and shares the same parking area—so you only need to pay once. The beach extends for several kilometers, and its appearance changes constantly with the tides, weather, and iceberg flow. Some days it sparkles with thousands of ice fragments; on others, it’s a quiet expanse of sand, surf, and the occasional seal bobbing in the waves.   The Science Behind the Sparkle What makes Diamond Beach so special isn’t just its beauty—it’s the science behind it. The icebergs originate from Breiðamerkurjökull, an outlet of Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe. When pieces calve off the glacier and fall into the lagoon, they can spend days or even weeks drifting slowly toward the Atlantic. Once they wash up on shore, some melt into delicate sculptures. Others retain their vivid blue hues—a result of dense ice absorbing all colors except blue. The black sand comes from ancient volcanic activity, giving the icebergs a stunning contrast backdrop that’s rare anywhere else in the world.   How to Get to Diamond Beach Iceland Diamond Beach is located about 5–6 hours drive east of Reykjavík and just a short walk from the parking lot at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. You can best reach it by renting a car. During the winter months it is recommended to drive a 4×4 but this is usually not necessary during the summertime. The drive is entirely on the main road no.1 also known as ring road in Iceland. This road is well maintained but advised to always keep an eye on the up to date conditions on road.is. Google Maps Location – Diamond Beach From Reykjavík: 370 km / ~5.5 hours From Höfn: 80 km / ~1 hour From Vík: 190 km / ~2.5 hours We recommend staying nearby in the Freysnes/Skaftafell area to enjoy Diamond Beach without rushing—and to combine it with other glacier activities. Is Diamond Beach free to visit? Yes, there is no entry fee. You only need to pay for parking, which is shared with Jökulsárlón.   When Is the Best Time to Visit Diamond Beach? The good news? Diamond Beach has ice year-round — but the amount, size, and shape of the icebergs you’ll see can change daily, even hourly. Here’s why: Icebergs break off from the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier and drift into the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. For them to make it to Diamond Beach, they need to be small enough to float under the bridge that connects the lagoon to the sea. Then, tides and wind push the ice out to the ocean — and sometimes toss it right back onto the shore. In winter, when the lagoon partially freezes over, icebergs may get stuck longer. And wind direction can blow ice toward one side of the lagoon, making Diamond Beach either full of glistening ice or completely empty, regardless of season. That’s the beauty of it — no two visits are the same. What you see at Diamond Beach is a unique snapshot in time that no one else will ever experience exactly like you did. Check tide forecasts at Vedur.is Local Tip: Visit early in the morning or late in the evening for soft light and fewer people.   What to Pack Visiting Diamond Beach can be as quick as 20 minutes or as long as a full afternoon. Be ready for either and expect that you don’t want to leave again. Essentials: Warm, waterproof jacket Gloves + hat (even in summer) High ankle boots Camera or phone  Snacks and water Sunglasses — ice glare is strong! Don’t forget to download our Iceland Packing List to make sure you’re fully prepared.   What to Do at Diamond Beach Iceland Diamond Beach is an open-access natural site, so there’s no entry fee. But it’s more than just a quick photo stop and here’s how to enjoy it fully: 1. Photography Bring a camera, extra batteries, and patience. The contrast of ice and black sand makes every photo look magical. Early morning and sunset light can create golden reflections on the ice. 2. Wildlife Watching Keep an eye out for seals, often seen lounging on the icebergs or fishing in the waves. Arctic terns and other seabirds fly overhead, especially in summer. Wild reindeer love the seaweed on the shoreline during

Plan the Perfect Trip to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Plan the Perfect Trip to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Visiting one of the famous glacier lagoons should be on everyone’s Iceland bucket list. Here is your guide to visit the famous Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon with our local tips to create an Iceland trip that goes far beyond a photo stop. A glacier lagoon forms when a glacier retreats and calfs. This is the process when ice is breaking off the glacier. In South East Iceland you can witness Europe’s biggest glacier calf in multiple spots. The best thing is that it doesn’t matter what season you are visiting! There can always be days with more or less blue icebergs floating around the lagoons. Icebergs often flip over and reveal new shapes and blue ice, that hasn’t been touched by the sunlight. Iceland’s most famous glacier lagoon In the southeast of Iceland there are two glacier lagoons that you should not miss out on. Planning a road trip in Iceland on road no.1, often called the ring road, you have likely heard of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.  Jökul is Icelandic for glacier, ár is a river and lón is a lagoon. So the name makes a lot of sense, like most places in Iceland if you can understand Icelandic. But no need to learn one of the most difficult languages to find your way to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. You can’t miss it when you are driving around the ring road in Iceland. You will already see the blue icebergs from the one lane bridge and can park right next to the lagoon.  Local tip: Get a discount on your parking pass at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon when visiting the famous Skaftafell National Park on the same day! Both destinations are must-see locations in Iceland.   Get out on the water Apart from the breathtaking scenery and a walk along the shoreline you can explore Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon by boat. Daily tours get you closer to the ice and give you different perspectives as long as the lagoon isn’t frozen over. You might be lucky and spot some of the curious seals bobbing their heads up and down in the cold water.  You can choose between the amphibian boats, that start driving from the shore or the more adventurous zodiac boats. Boat tours on Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon are a great adventure for the entire family. If you are an active traveler, you should take a look at Kayaking Tours. Paddle amongst floating icebergs and explore nature the environmentally friendly way.   The place to be for blue Ice Cave Tours Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is the meeting location for our blue ice cave tours from October to April. Jump into a 4×4 jeep on a guided tour to see the best ice caves of Vatnajökull. There are different tours available for families or more adventurous souls. Ice Caves are a must for every traveler and local alike and never seem to disappoint. Learn more about the current conditions by contacting info[at]localguide.is and save your spot on the most popular tour today.   Where to Eat around Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon While Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is best known for its incredible scenery, boat tours, and ice caves, it’s always good to know where you can grab a bite to eat — especially after a chilly walk along the shoreline or a photo session at Diamond Beach. Jökulsárlón CaféRight next to the lagoon’s main parking area, the small on-site café offers light refreshments and hot drinks year-round. It’s a great spot to warm up with coffee or hot chocolate while enjoying panoramic views through the café’s large windows. You’ll also find sandwiches, soups, and pastries — simple but satisfying options for a mid-day snack. Food Trucks (Summer Season)During the busier summer months, food trucks often pop up in the main parking area. These serve everything from fish and chips to the famous Icelandic hot dogs. We recommend tasting their lobster hot dogs! While availability can vary, it’s a fun way to sample local flavours on the go. Nearby Dining OptionsIf you’re looking for a more substantial meal, several guesthouses and hotels within a short drive offer restaurant dining. Hali Country Hotel to the east and Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon to the west are popular choices with hearty Icelandic menus. Freysnes Service Station offers a great priced menu all year around. Café VatnajökullLocated in the nearby village of Fagurhólsmýri, just a short drive west of the lagoon, Café Vatnajökull is a cozy and welcoming stop for homemade treats and warm meals. They serve freshly made sandwiches, hearty hot soups, homemade cakes, and some of the best coffee and hot chocolate in the region. The café also hosts occasional events like open mic evenings — check out their Facebook page for current updates and happenings. The welcoming atmosphere makes it a favorite among locals and travelers alike. Local Tip: Bring snacks or lunch if you’re visiting outside peak season, as food options may be limited. A thermos of tea or soup is especially comforting if you’re planning to stay out photographing the lagoon or waiting for northern lights.   Right next door – Diamond Beach The lagoon has a direct connection to the ocean. Depending on the tide, saltwater enters the lagoon or freshwater flows into the ocean. The blue icebergs are slowly melting and some make their way out to sea. The powerful waves then throw the icebergs in smaller pieces back on land.  A black sand beach covered in chunks of ice – known as Diamond Beach – is just across the street of the famous Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. You can even use the same parking ticket or take a short walk underneath the bridge. Nature decides their paths here as well so some days you don‘t know where to put your feet in between all the ice, others it is just a black sand beach. Even though visiting a black sand beach alone should be on everyone’s Iceland bucket list as well.  Local tip: During the wintertime the

Icelands best Hikes near Skaftafell National Park​

Icelands Best Hikes near Skaftafell National Park Many are looking for unforgettable experiences in Iceland but only a few places match the beauty of Skaftafell National Park. Located near Iceland’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull, this paradise for nature lovers has hiking trails for everyone. You can find easy walks for families and tough climbs for adventurers on and off the beaten trail. We at Local Guide of Vatnajökull are based in nearby Freysnes, so we spend a lot of time in Skaftafell and know the area inside and out. Here are a few of our team’s favourite hikes, and why this region in South Iceland is ideal for your next glacial adventure.  1. Svartifoss – The Iconic Basalt Falls Distance: about 1.5 km (or 1 mile) each way Difficulty: Easy to moderate Family-friendly: Yes   If you’ve seen photos of dramatic basalt columns in Iceland, chances are you’ve seen Svartifoss waterfall. This unique waterfall, framed by towering black lava formations, is one of the most popular hikes in Iceland — and for good reason. The flowing lava formed the symmetric columns during a a volcanic eruption around 300.000 years ago. Today we start the hike to Svartifoss waterfall close to the Skaftafell National Park visitor centre. The trail winds gently uphill through birch woodlands and past smaller waterfalls before revealing the main attraction. A rewarding hike for families, especially with children curious about rocks.   💡Local tip: The main trail leads back and forth to the waterfall but if you have a bit more time, consider hiking a loop around Skaftafell National Park. You cross the bridge at Svartifoss and continue on the other side of the river. The trail leads past grass covered turf houses called Sea and offers beautiful views over black sand flats all the way to the glacier. Depending on the time of year, we often see wildlife like ptarmigans or dip our feet into the water before returning to the campground. This round circuit is around 5.8km (or 3.6 miles) total and you can find the map here. 2. Sjónarnípa Viewpoint – A Photogenic Glacier  Distance: about 7 km (or 4.3 mile) round-trip Difficulty: Moderate Family-friendly: For older kids The trail to Sjónarnípa leads to one of the best panoramic viewpoints over Skaftafellsjökull, an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull National Park. You will see the slow-moving river of ice flowing into the valley. Surrounded by sharp peaks and often a bright blue sky. Locals joke that the best weather is always in Skaftafell National Park. Nevertheless, you should always prepare for the Icelandic weather to change. This beautiful hike is a favorite stop for those curious about secret places in Iceland, offering an awe-inspiring view of Iceland away from mass tourism. While you can still see the famous Svartifoss Waterfall on the way. Find the detailed map on the website of Vatnajökull National Park.  3. Kristínartindar – For the Experienced Hiker Distance: about 18 km (or 11.2 mile) round-trip Difficulty: Challenging Family-friendly: Not recommended for children For avid hikers, Kristínartindar is one of the most breathtaking peaks in Iceland. The trail passes the stunning glacier viewpoint Sjónarnípa and we recommend to take the short extra loop to see Svartifoss waterfall. And then continues along sharp cliffs, with incredible views of glaciers, mountain ranges, and black sand plains. This might be a long and strenuous day hike, but well worth the effort for those seeking solitude and one of the most unique views of Iceland. You’ll feel truly immersed in the wild landscapes that make Vatnajökull National Park so iconic. Make sure to come prepared for a full day of hiking and save this map beforehand. 💡Local tip: We recommend checking in with the rangers at Skaftafell National Park Visitor Centre before taking off on your hike. They can help you understand the current conditions and have maps to make sure you are staying on the right trail. The trail is often closed in the spring due to thawing. 4. Falljökull – Join a Guided Hike from Freysnes Hiking in Skaftafell is incredible, but nothing compares to stepping onto the glacier itself. And if you are in the area anyways, we recommend making the most of your ring road trip. From the Local Guide of Vatnajökull base in Freysnes, we offer small-group glacier hikes. Falljökull is the most beautiful outlet glacier in Iceland. Our expert glacier guides share their local knowledge with you. We provide crampons, iceaxe and helmets to keep you safe. They will lead you across blue ice, deep crevasses, and interesting ice formations. Glacier hikes are hands-on and ideal for both adventurous adults and families with curious kids. If you’re looking for the best glacier hike in Iceland, this is it. We tailor each group based on ability and interest, whether you’re a first-time explorer or a seasoned adventurer looking to push a bit further. Hear from other travellers — our glacier guides Iceland reviews consistently mention how our small group sizes, friendly guides, and deep local knowledge make this experience unforgettable. Why Choose Skaftafell? Skaftafell National Park is part of Vatnajökull National Park. This park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s largest protected areas. Therefore it deserves a spot on everyone’s bucket list. What makes it special is the mix of accessibility and wilderness. You can walk to a waterfall in the morning, hike a glacier in the afternoon, and still make it back to your accommodation in time for dinner or stay right there on the campground inside the National Park. The mountains around the area help block heavy rain and strong winds. This makes it one of the sunniest places in South Iceland. Ideal for outdoor activities year-round! Practical Tips for Hiking in Skaftafell – Start early to enjoy popular trails like Svartifoss before they get busy – Dress in layers — the weather can change quickly in Iceland – Bring snacks and water, especially for longer hikes like Kristínartindar – Check trail conditions at the Visitor Centre

How to ice climb in Iceland

How to ice climb in Iceland Ice Climbing in most of the places around the world is possible only during the winter but Ice Climbing in Iceland is an all year possible adventure! You can try ice climbing in very nice and safe conditions on Icelandic glaciers. Glacier ice is so packed, old and reliable that we can compare it to concrete. Once placed, the tool will stay in it until it melts out (which takes some hours). If it is your first time I highly recommend you to get a professional glacier guide, who will for sure take care of finding the right place and needed equipment (crampons, ice axes, helmets, rope etc.). If you are good at climbing but still you are traveling light – you might enjoy a glacier guide anyways since these are the people who have plenty of crampons etc. On the glacier you are literally surrounded by ice, so we have plenty of possibilities in placing our anchors. Which means you don’t need to climb and place your own safety  at the same time. The guide (or very skilled friend) takes care of your safety completely so you can focus on technique only. Is it anyhow similar to rock climbing? It is kind of. For sure your rock climbing experience will be helpful. Mostly because we use similar muscles so your body will not get surprised:) Otherwise it is slightly different. For example there is no rock and holding to ice with your hand isn’t that helpful. Winter Ice Climbing is different from summer Ice climbing on the glacier. It is about temperatures, so when it is warm, ice starts to rotten and it is holding as well as other times but the climb itself is much easier. Once hummered iceaxe or crampon, stays in place very easy, sometimes is hard to get your tool out. Winter ice is something everyone in Iceland is waiting for! Well anyone interested in climbing. It is blue, cold and very fun but then you need to focus on your technique hard! Unless you have unlimited access to your muscles (that’s a rare thing). During our ice climbing tours we would would be able to experience a few climbes and start off with some easy place where we can try some climbing and if that would go smooth I might choose to change a spot to try something more challenging. At Local Guide we offer ice climbing opportunities all year long as a private adventure. In the summer of 2023 we will be having one public departure scheduled weekly where you can sign up for a glacier ice climbing trip. The ice climbing in general can be as easy or as difficult as we want. If we organise the tour as a private departure we can adjust the difficulty to your needs and experience. If you wanna try but you are afraid then you should throw away your worries and just come and join us during one of the public tours we will have for you in the summer 2023. At the end of a day this activity is one od a kind and not an obvious one to repeat again in the future! Should you prepare for an Ice Climbing trip? Well if you have time before your try – start exercise. And I mean even 5 push ups daily will make a difference. Just do it every day. If you don’t have more than a week, then just come! If you go with a professional guide, he or she will make choices tailored to your possibilities (or they will push a little so you know that actually you are better than you thought:) ). The National Park of Vatnajökull is a perfect place to start an ice climbing adventure. It is highly recommended to stop by the southeast area where we opearate if you are driving this direction anyway. OUR RECENT POSTS

How to avoid crowds when visiting the Ice Caves

How to avoid crowds when visiting the Ice Caves Everybody loves the photos of blue ice caves. And in most of these photos you will not see any crowds in the caves. Truth is there are times in the winter where many people will visit the ice caves at the same time, making it trickier to get that perfect shot and the experience you were looking for. We have a few tips for you on how to avoid crowds and make your Ice Cave Tour even more memorable. Travel in the low season. November and the beginning of December are a great time to beat the crowds not only in the ice caves but also in Iceland in general. You will find fewer people everywhere because there are more sights that can get very busy. It is easier to find accommodation and consider traveling not just the famous routes but see if there are more remote areas you can reach during your holiday in Iceland.  Choose a local company to take you to the ice caves. They will have the most experience where and when to take you for the best ice cave tour. Smaller group sizes are a great way to have less people around you. Timing matters so ice cave tour operators like Local Guide of Vatnajökull schedule their departure times around other companies. Going early or late not only gives you more time in the rest of the day to explore, but it also means you are not there at the same time as others. Stay in the area a bit longer and consider a full day tour. When you are up for a bit more hiking, a longer tour can take you to more remote ice caves. Many travelers are rushed and want to just check a visit to the ice cave off their bucket list. Look through your options and find a tour like the Ice Cave Discovery that goes the extra mile. Ask how the bookings are, on the day you want to travel, and see if there is a time that we can recommend to you. Read through some of the recent reviews on popular sides like Google and TripAdvisor. You will get a great overview on how people are feeling about the tour you want to book. Also check out the social media channels of a company and see if they either have some posts and stories of the ice cave or if they can send you some, so you can understand better what the ice cave and the conditions are like. Take a private tour. Even on private tours nobody can promise you to have the ice cave to yourself. But there are different options to avoid crowds on a private tour. Reach out to see what tour would suit you and your wishes best. Private tours can be scheduled even earlier or later in the day. Working with the limited daylight in the wintertime, you might want to start your tour at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon in the darkness, so you will be at the ice cave when others are just getting out of bed or in the afternoon working around the magical blue hour. If you choose a private tour, another great perk is, to have the guide just for you so no other people in your group want to keep going while you are still getting your perfect shot. On a private tour it sometimes is possible to spend more time in the ice cave. While public groups are coming and going you can wait for the sweet moment in between when you have the cave almost to yourself. Ice caves are a unique experience. They are different every winter and every week. Instead of getting annoyed at the other people in the ice cave – consider they are travelers, just like you, being able to have this once in a lifetime experience exploring a natural ice cave. OUR RECENT POSTS

Can I visit the ice cave on my own

Can I visit the ice cave on my own This time we decided to invite one of our guide to give us her own perspective on the whole ice cave hunting idea when in Iceland. Happy reading! Can I visit the ice cave on my own? I know how it feels when your inner Indiana Jones wants to go to the deepest parts of Iceland with NO OTHER people. I understand but let me tell you how it really is with all ice caves. Long time ago, someone saw how blue and magnetic glaciers are and since the first post on Instagram, we are dealing with a syndrome called: “NeedToGoOnTheGlacierItIsSoBeautiful”. Wanting to share the beauty of Icelandic nature and trying to have less rescue missions, we started tours to dangerous but beautiful places, making them look so easy. But they aren’t. Why would you like to go on your own? I guess it is because you want to see how far you can get on a rental car, avoid big groups in the cave and maybe save a bit of money (hey if there is any other reason, let me know, that could be a great talk)? Let’s start with a car. Getting to any ice cave is a challenge. We are going to the most beautiful and probably easiest to reach and still we are using super jeeps. Which are fun and necessary – unless you can drive very precisely, however that won’t help if there is snow and ice on the road…. Money? If ANYTHING happens to your rental car on a road like that, your trip becomes MUCH more expensive than a tour. You also have a teeny-tiny chance that any super jeep will help since there are some insurance issues. You would be on your own (as you wanted). Avoiding big groups. Honestly, the cave is popular, this is why you are reading this article, and I’m not surprised! It is amazing!  Are there any less popular but awesome caves? Yes, there are but first of all we don’t know about them or it takes forever to get near them (for some you need a helicopter ride). But if you book a tour with a small operator like us, I can guarantee you, we will do everything to give you some alone time in the cave. I’m a guide, trust me I also don’t like crowds. “Hey! I have seen this huge cave, I could see it from the road! Let’s go!” Well if there is no one going, there is a reason for it. It is not easy to find a good cave – a lot of them are not blue (plenty are just black because of how much ash and rocks we can have on the glaciers). So if you think you found a holy grail of ice caves just for yourself – don’t go (especially if you have never done things like that before). You also need plenty of equipment too.. Many of them are not safe. The structure of the ice is different depending on: movement of glacier, level of water inside, where the cave is situated. Approaching the cave might be a problem, in general approaching glaciers you need to be aware of rock falls, ice falls, sinkholes, quicksands – no, I’m not joking. Some of the caves are not safe due to volcanic activities in the area like possible earthquakes (just now one of the ice caves got closed for that reason!).  Basically getting on the glacier or into the glacier needs preparation and I mean more than watching a series of youtube videos. I could go on and on about glaciers and how much respect they need from us. But instead let’s talk about solutions. If you want to see a cool ice cave just book a tour. Guides know the area, we know how to get there and when it is not safe to go. The Ice Cave you will see is safe because we take care of it, we know it well and we see the changes. Don’t be silly, take a guide! The Icelandic Civil Protection is strongly advising to not visit glaciers on your own. To be aware. We believe in Iceland that people have equal rights to nature (unless it is private land, then no). Rather relying on stiff rules we believe in natural selection. While driving around Iceland, you will meet some other people. That makes everyone feel like you are gonna be ok even if something will happen. There are all topless vikings waiting to come to you on jet boats or other helicopters. You are right BUT you need to let them know – many places and especially glaciers, don’t have reception. Even if they know where you are it will take hours and I mean HOURS. We are doing our best but Iceland is the place with more sheep than people – resources are limited. Weather wise? Don’t do silly things. ALWAYS check road.is and vedur.is to make sure it is safe to drive. OUR RECENT POSTS

Camping in Iceland

Camping in Iceland No matter if you are travelling on a budget in Iceland or if you want to experience the social media hype of Vanlife – camping in Iceland is very popular. Tourists and Icelanders alike love camping, especially during the summer months. Carrying your home for the night with you gives you so much more flexibility than pre booked hotels and being spontaneous is what Iceland is all about. To make the best of your camping  in Iceland we have some easy-to-follow tips for you. First question is usually is a camper or a tent better in Iceland. While that completely depends on where you are going you should consider a few factors: If you are planning on multi day hikes your best choice will be a lightweight tent. However, with the strong wind gusts even in the summertime you want a high-quality tent and a good sleeping bag. It can get very cold at night all year around and there is nothing worse than not being able to sleep. Sleeping in a tent in the winter is rather uncomfortable and not recommended. Many campers come with an inbuilt heater and kitchen unit. While you don‘t have to worry about your camper ripping apart in the wind, it might not always be safe to drive a bulky car during a storm. And those flying rocks can take your windows out or you off the road. Always check road.is and safetravel.is and you won‘t miss any weather warnings and follow the advice of authorities and locals and don‘t drive on closed roads. Once you park your camper for the night, park with the nose into the wind so you don‘t get motion sick by the shaking of the car if the wind picks up in the night. Is wild camping allowed in Iceland? The easy answer is no. Never in a camper and only in very rare circumstances if you are hiking with a tent in some rural areas of Iceland. The rules about that are so complicated it‘s best to never risk it. Campsites are all over the country and have usually very good facilities and nice spots to park a camper or tent. Campsites are way cheaper than any hotel or any fee for wild camping. You can find many campsites on https://tjalda.is . Usually there is no need to reserve a campsite in advance but during the summertime or on the long holiday weekends of the summer you might want to call ahead to see if they have a spot for you. Most towns have a campsite, but it is worth also checking a little bit off the ring road for a quieter spot. On the other hand, busy campsites give you a new chance every day to meet fellow travelers and Icelanders alike and spend a nice evening together at a bonfire (if allowed). There is no question about following the rules of the campsite, respecting nature, and paying for the fee if requested even at an unmanned campsite. Not all campsites are open all year around. In the wintertime it can get trickier to find a place for the night with open facilities. However, if the campsite is open but the facilities closed, it often is cheaper than during the summer months. Offroad driving is strictly prohibited in Iceland even in uninhabited parts of the country. This is to protect the very fragile environment that you might not even notice but off-roading is heavily fined and despised. You are in Iceland already and you are missing some equipment for your camping adventure? Check out places that rent out camping equipment or check some second hand stores. You can get gas for a cooker at most gas stations or support some of the local restaurants if you are not feeling like cooking every night. If you keep these points in mind for your camping trip in Iceland, we are sure you will be a happy camper and remember even though your time in Iceland is limited on a holiday – the places you have not been to yet are just another reason to visit Iceland again! OUR RECENT POSTS

Where to stay when taking a trip with Local Guide

Where to stay when taking a trip with Local Guide One of the questions we get asked most often is “Where should I stay when we come to the ice caves” so hopefully we can shed some light on the best locations to stay in this area. We always recommend that you stay in the local area when coming to visit us as the weather can be unpredictable, so it is best to eliminate any long drives from your itinerary. We suggest staying no further than Kirkjubæjarklaustur to the West or Höfn to the East. We do not recommend driving to and from Reykjavík in one day as we are located around 4.5 hours from the capital and weather conditions in the winter can be unpredictable leading to road closures and the limited daylight hours mean it can be a long and dark journey. There are a lot of hotels and guesthouses within a 1 hour drive so we’ve put together a list of some of our favorites to help with your trip planning.* Kirkjubæjarklaustur: This is a small town around 125km from our meeting location. Home to the stunning Systrafoss double waterfall, there are some great local walks as well as a small supermarket, ATM and local pool with geothermal hot tubs. The restaurant Systrakaffi offers local food and a good selection of beer and the gas station has hot dogs and ice cream perfect for a meal on the run.  Hotel Magma: This is a new hotel in Kirkjubæjarklaustur and consists of smaller rooms within the main building and then gorgeous grass roofed cabins overlooking a lake. These cabins have a fresh modern interior. There is also a Bistro offering breakfast and dinner. Hotel Laki: A mixture of hotel rooms and small cabins set away from the main Route 1. This hotel offers lovely views, perfect for Northern Lights hunting but with the convenience of the nearby town. Skaftafell-Hnapavellir: Hotel Skaftafell is 50km from our winter meeting location. This is a traditional family run hotel in the perfect location with glaciers in the backyard and the entrance to the National Park just 2 minutes’ drive away. The food in the hotel is delicious with an excellent seasonal menu, however if you fancy something lighter, you only have to cross the main road to go to the gas station which offers freshly cooked meals all day as well as a small well stocked supermarket offering supplies and gifts. The potato storage is a family run guesthouse apartment on a small farm. It is perfect for those wanting self-catering accommodation or a little more flexibility if travelling with children. It is located in the village of Svínafell just along from Skaftafell, so the convenience of the gas station is just down the road.  Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon 30km from our winter meeting location is one of the newest hotels in the area. Boasting a swish interior and a sauna in the basement this is a popular choice with those looking for a high-end choice in the area. Enjoy a drink on the terrace overlooking the fields out to the sea. Gerði-Höfn  Hotel Hali is 15km from our meeting location in the Gerði area. This hotel also has a small café and museum on site and is a great choice if you want to minimize your drive to the ice cave and also want to learn a bit about the history of the area at the Thórbergur centre. Skýrhusið is a guest house in the same area as Hotel Hali. It is a cozy guesthouse offering a comfy and economical choice close to our meeting location. Hotel Smyrlabjörg 35km from is a favorite among our staff, as this traditional hotel offers the best Christmas buffet, and our annual visits are a highlight of the calendar. The location is quiet, set back from the road with good local food and clean accommodation.  Guesthouse Lilja 50km from base is a popular guesthouse with modern accommodation, not quite as far as Höfn but close enough to access the amenities with a short drive to town.  Milk Factory 80km  is a great choice in Höfn, with views over the mountains and glacier but on the doorstep of the main town. A good choice when choosing to stay in town.  *Please note that these distances are based on the meeting location of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon which could be subject to change if the location of the ice cave differs. Please get in touch for more up to date information for the current season. OUR RECENT POSTS